Geography has affected settlement patterns in North Africa in various ways. Firstly, the presence of the Sahara Desert has limited settlement to areas with access to water sources such as the Nile Valley and coastal regions. Secondly, the Atlas Mountains have hindered movement and made some areas more isolated, leading to smaller and scattered settlements. Thirdly, the Mediterranean Sea has allowed for trade and connections with other regions, leading to the establishment of port cities and larger settlements along the coast. Lastly, the Nile River has provided fertile soil for agriculture, leading to the development of civilizations along its banks.
